Lok Devtas(Gods) of Uttarakhand

Major Lok Devtas and Their Temples

Here are 10 famous Lok Devtas of Uttarakhand:

1. Narshing Devta of Joshimath

Temple: Narshingh Temple, Joshimath, Chamoli.
This temple is famous as the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. Here Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Narsimha avatar (half lion, half man). Local belief says when Badrinath temple closes in winter, Lord Badri comes to rest here. The idol’s left hand is said to be thinning slowly. When it breaks, Alaknanda river will block the way to Badrinath, and Lord Badri will be worshipped in Bhavishya Badri temple.

Fair: Every year, when Badrinath Dham closes, special rituals are performed here. This temple is also included in Sapt Badri temples.

• • Temple in Joshimath, also called Narsingh Mandir.

  • It is the winter seat of Badrinath Ji.

  • Locals believe when the left hand idol of Narshingh falls, Badrinath valley will be closed forever, and the path to Kedarnath will open.

  • Important for both culture and prophecy.

2. Mahasu Devta of Hanol

Temple: Mahasu Devta Temple, Hanol, Dehradun district.
This is one of the most powerful temples of Jaunsar-Bawar region. The temple is built in beautiful Kath-Kuni (wood and stone) architecture. Mahasu Devta is considered the Nyay Devta (God of Justice) here. Villagers come to solve disputes, and decisions are given through oracles and traditional rituals. He is worshipped in four forms – Basik, Pavasi, Chalda, and Botha.

Fair: Mahasu Devta Fair is held every year in August at Hanol. Devotees from Uttarakhand and Himachal come in large numbers.

• • Temple in Hanol, built in Kath-Kuni style.

  • Four brothers – Botha, Pavasik, Vasik, and Chalda – are worshipped as Mahasu Devtas.

  • He is Nyaya Devta, giver of justice.

  • Mahasu Devta fair is a huge attraction in Jaunsar-Bawar and Himachal border.

3. Haru Devta

Temple: Haru Devta temples are spread across Kumaon, but Champawat district is most important.
Haru Devta is worshipped as a heroic folk god who fought for justice. He is remembered as Harunag or Hariyo Haru. Local songs and ballads are sung in his honor. People believe he cures cattle diseases and protects fields. During jagars, his spirit is invoked through music and oracle.

Fair: A big Haru Devta fair is held at Champawat every year. People offer ghee, milk, and flags at his temples.

• • A heroic folk god.

  • Worshipped as protector of cattle, crops, and people.

  • Belief is that Haru Devta was a brave warrior who became a god after death.

  • Temples in Kumaon villages, with big fairs during Haru Jagar.

4. Naina Devi

Temple: Naina Devi Temple, Nainital.
This temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. According to belief, the eyes (nayan) of Goddess Sati fell here, giving the town its name – Nainital. The temple is located on the northern edge of Naini Lake. Local people worship her as their kul devi. The temple is not just for locals, but also a big tourist attraction.

Fair: Nanda Ashtami Mela is held here every year in September. It lasts 8 days and is the biggest festival of Nainital.

• • Main temple at Nainital Lake.

  • Considered a Shakti Peeth, where Sati’s eyes fell.

  • Locals believe she is their Kul Devi.

  • Nanda Devi Mela in Kumaon is closely linked to her.

5. Kasar Devi

Temple: Kasar Devi Temple, Almora.
Located on a hill near Almora, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kasar Devi. It has a unique energy field, which even NASA scientists studied. Swami Vivekananda meditated here, and since then many saints and foreigners visit. Locals believe Kasar Devi protects them from evil spirits.

Fair: Kasar Devi Mela is held on Kartik Poornima. People from nearby villages gather to worship and celebrate.

• • Temple located on a hill near Almora town.

  • Known for its spiritual energy.

  • Hippies and seekers from all over the world came here during the 1960s.

  • Still a place of meditation and devotion.

6. Kokarsi Devta

Temple: Kokarsi Devta Temple, Gabhela village, Khatt Pashgaon, Jaunsar region.
Kokarsi Devta is known as a very angry and tamasic deity. He is worshipped with fear and respect. People believe if you make a false promise in his name, you will be punished. Animal sacrifice (mostly goats) is common here. His temple is simple but powerful for locals.

Fair: His worship is linked with village rituals and seasonal fairs of Jaunsar, though no big mela is organized.

• • Very fierce and tamasic devta.

  • Worshipped in Khatt Pashgaon’s Gabhela village.

  • Known to punish wrongdoers quickly.

  • Special rituals are performed to keep him calm.

7. Golu Devta / Goril Devta

Temple: Golu Devta temples are in Chitai (Almora), Ghorakhal (near Nainital), and Champawat.
Golu Devta is the most famous Nyay Devta of Uttarakhand. People write petitions on paper and hang them in the temple. Thousands of such letters can be seen. He is believed to give justice faster than courts. His worship style is simple – devotees offer bells, letters, and prasad.

Fair: Chitai Mela is held in Almora region. It is dedicated to Golu Devta, where devotees come with petitions and bells.

• • Called the God of Justice.

  • People write petitions on paper and hang them in his temple.

  • Famous Chitai Golu Devta Temple near Almora has thousands of petitions hanging.

  • Every year fairs are held in his honour.

8. Latu Devta

Temple: Latu Devta Temple, near Wan village, Chamoli.
Latu Devta is considered the brother of Goddess Nanda Devi and also her guard. His idol is never seen directly, as it is always kept covered. Once in a year, during the Nanda Devi fair, the temple is opened. Devotees believe he is very strict and punishes liars.

Fair: Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra happens once every 12 years, and Latu Devta plays an important role. A smaller annual Nanda Devi fair is also celebrated.

• • Brother of Goddess Nanda Devi.

  • Temple in Wan village, near Roopkund trek route.

  • His idol is always covered; no one can see him directly.

  • He is worshipped during the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra.

9. Bhairav Devta

Temple: Kotwal Bhairav Temple, Kedarnath, and many small shrines in villages.
Bhairav is worshipped as the master of ghosts and spirits. In Kedarnath, Kotwal Bhairav guards the temple when it is closed in winter. In villages, Bhairav shrines are often near grazing fields and entry points, protecting cattle and crops.

Fair: During Bhairav Ashtami, devotees offer liquor, meat, and flowers in his temples. Local melas are also held in Garhwal and Kumaon regions.

• • Though Bhairav is a pan-India god, in Uttarakhand he is worshipped as a Lok Devta.

  • Protector from evil spirits, ghosts, and bhoot-pret.

  • In Kedarnath, Bhairavnath Temple is considered the guardian of Kedarnath Dham.

  • Many villages have Bhairav shrines.

10. Dakshin Kali

Temple: Dakshin Kali Temple, Dasholi block, near Dashoul Gadi and Jolmangari, Chamoli.
Dakshin Kali is worshipped as a fierce local form of Goddess Kali. She is protector of the Dasholi region. Her temple is surrounded by forests and is very sacred for local people. Devotees believe she removes evil forces, grants courage, and blesses land with fertility.

Fair: Local fairs and special pujas are held on Navratras and Kali Ashtami.

• • Fierce goddess worshipped as Lok Devi.

  • Main temple at Dasholi Garhi, near Gwaldam.

  • Associated with protection from enemies and evil.

  • Big fair during Navratri attracts devotees from Garhwal.

More Lok Devtas Across Uttarakhand

Based on research, here are many more local deities still worshipped:

Bhumi/Bhumia Devta

• • Protector of land and soil.

  • Temples in every farm or village, especially fields around Tehri.

  • Known as Bhumia or Bhumi Devta.

Nagraj / Nagnath

• • Serpent deity protecting rivers, streams, water bodies.

  • Worshipped in sacred groves and near water.

  • Nagnath Temple in Pithoragarh is a key shrine.

Bholanath

• • Folk god of Kumaon; believed incarnation of Shiva.

  • Story: an unjust king, ghosts, and eventual worship.

  • Temple in Champawat.

Gangnath & Bhana

• • Tragic lovers worshipped after death.

  • Many small temples in Kumaon.

Airy (Eyes on head)

• • Worshipped like Shani; protects cattle.

  • Main temple at Byandhura.

Kail Bisht

• • Flute-playing folk god; generous and kind.

  • Temple near Binsar, in Kumaon.

Chaumu / Chaumasa

• • Protector of animals; fierce warrior god.

  • Temples in Jhulaghat-Pancheswar region; main seat at Chamdeval.

Gwala / Gwalla (same as Golu)

• • Alternate names for Golu Devta; worshipped widely.

Kalinka Mata (Kalika Devi)

• • Goddess of forests and wildlife.

  • Temple in Champawat region.

Surkanda Devi

• • Shakti Peeth near Dhanaulti (Tehri); head of Sati fell here.

  • Stone temple, beautiful views.

Badhangarhi (Dakshineshwar Kali)

• • Near Gwaldam (Chamoli Tehsil); powerful Kali temple at 2260 m.

  • Famed for Chaitra Ashtami fair.

Jwalpa Devi

• • Parvati form at Pauri (Patisain).

  • Local Kuladevi temple for many clans.

Virbhadra Temple

• • Near Rishikesh (Dehradun district); avatar of Shiva.

  • Jagran and mela held on Shivratri.

Summary Table

Importance of Lok Devtas in Local Culture

• • Protector of Villages: Every village has a Gram Devta who keeps away evil and keeps the village safe.

  • Justice Givers: Like Golu Devta and Mahasu Devta, who are worshipped as Nyay Devta. Villagers trust their judgement more than courts.

  • Linked with Nature: Many devtas are guardians of rivers, forests, and fields. For example, Nag Devta is linked with water, and Bhumia Devta protects land.

  • Agriculture and Cattle: Cattle wealth is very important in pahadi life. So gods like Airy Devta or Chaumu Devta are prayed to protect cows and bulls.

  • Fairs and Festivals: Big melas like Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, Bagwal of Devidhura, Chaitra Ashtami of Badhangarhi are directly connected with these gods.

  • Oral Traditions: Their stories are told in Jagar (folk ritual of singing and calling gods). These rituals keep alive the oral history of Uttarakhand.

  • Social Unity: Lok Devta temples are also places where villages gather for decisions, marriages, and festivals.

So, Lok Devtas are not just religious figures. They are part of social order, justice, ecology, and culture of Uttarakhand.

FAQs

Q1. What are Lok Devtas in Uttarakhand?
Lok Devtas are the local gods worshipped in villages of Uttarakhand. They are protectors of land, cattle, forests, and people. Unlike big deities, Lok Devtas are directly linked with the daily life of common pahadi people.

Q2. Why are Lok Devtas important in Uttarakhand culture?
They are important because they are considered justice givers and protectors. People believe these gods walk with them in daily life. Lok Devtas also play a role in agriculture, cattle protection, and village unity.

Q3. Which is the most famous Lok Devta of Uttarakhand?
Golu Devta is the most famous Lok Devta, known as the Nyay Devta. People from all over India come to his temples in Chitai (Almora), Champawat, and Ghorakhal to seek justice.

Q4. What is the role of fairs in Lok Devta worship?
Fairs are the main way of celebrating Lok Devtas. For example, Mahasu Devta Mela in Hanol, Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra in Chamoli, and Bagwal Fair in Devidhura. These fairs bring together villages and keep traditions alive.

Q5. Who is Latu Devta?
Latu Devta is worshipped in Wan village, Chamoli. He is believed to be the brother and protector of Goddess Nanda Devi. His idol is always covered, and devotees cannot see him directly.

Q6. Who is Haru Devta?
Haru Devta is a heroic Lok Devta of Kumaon. He is remembered as a brave warrior who protects crops and cattle. His worship is very popular in Champawat and nearby regions.

Q7. Why is Kokarsi Devta feared?
Kokarsi Devta of Gabhela village in Jaunsar is known as a very angry and tamasic god. People worship him with care and perform strict rituals. It is believed he punishes anyone who disrespects him.

Q8. Are Lok Devtas connected with nature?
Yes, many Lok Devtas are linked with rivers, forests, and fields. For example, Nag Devta is connected with water, Bhumia Devta with land, and Kalinka Mata with forests.

Q9. Do all villages in Uttarakhand have their own Lok Devta?
Yes, almost every village has a Gram Devta. Some are worshipped in temples, some in small shrines, and some only through rituals.

Q10. Are Lok Devtas different from Hindu gods?Lok Devtas are often considered local forms or manifestations of Hindu gods. For example, Bhairav is a form of Shiva but in Uttarakhand he is also worshipped as a Lok Devta.

Conclusion

The Lok Devtas of Uttarakhand are not just part of faith, but also the backbone of pahadi culture. From the Narshingh Devta of Joshimath to Dakshin Kali of Chamoli, each deity has a story, a temple, and fairs linked with people’s daily life. Even today, villagers turn first to their local gods for justice, protection, and blessings. These deities truly keep alive the identity of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.

– By Mohit Bangari